If your vet has detected a heart murmur or suspects cardiac disease in your dog, they may recommend a heart scan — formally called an echocardiogram. This ultrasound of the heart is the primary tool for diagnosing and monitoring heart conditions in dogs.

Average Heart Scan Costs

  • Echocardiogram at a general practice: £250 to £400
  • Echocardiogram at a referral centre (cardiologist): £350 to £500
  • Specialist cardiology consultation (on top of the scan): £150 to £350
  • ECG (electrocardiogram): £80 to £200 (often done alongside the echo)
  • Chest X-rays: £150 to £300 (frequently recommended before or alongside the echo)

Most dogs do not need sedation for an echocardiogram, which keeps costs lower. The dog lies on their side while the vet or cardiologist holds an ultrasound probe against the chest wall. The scan typically takes 20–45 minutes.

What Affects the Price

GP vs Specialist

Some general practitioners have the equipment and training to perform basic echocardiograms. A specialist veterinary cardiologist provides a more detailed assessment but at a higher cost. For screening (e.g. breed screening for dilated cardiomyopathy in Dobermanns), a specialist scan is recommended.

Type of Heart Disease

The scan itself costs the same regardless of the condition, but the follow-up treatment plan varies dramatically. Mitral valve disease (the most common heart condition in dogs) may be monitored annually, while dilated cardiomyopathy may require more frequent scans at 3–6 month intervals.

Additional Tests

A full cardiac workup may include an echocardiogram, ECG, chest X-rays, and blood pressure measurement. Together, these can total £500–£1,000 at a referral centre. Your vet or cardiologist will advise which tests are needed.

Location

London and South East prices are typically 15–25% higher than the national average, consistent with the CMA's findings on regional price variation in veterinary services.

When Your Dog Might Need a Heart Scan

Common reasons include:

  • Heart murmur detected during a routine check
  • Breed screening (Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dobermanns, Boxers, and other predisposed breeds)
  • Coughing, exercise intolerance, or rapid breathing
  • Monitoring a known heart condition
  • Pre-anaesthetic assessment for dogs with suspected heart disease

How to Save

  • Pet insurance: Heart scans are covered by most comprehensive policies. Cardiac disease is one of the most common high-cost conditions in dogs.
  • Ask about GP-level scans: For monitoring a stable condition, a scan at your regular practice may be adequate and cheaper than returning to the specialist each time.
  • Breed screening schemes: Some breed clubs subsidise cardiac screening for breeding dogs. The Kennel Club's heart testing scheme may offer reduced-cost scans at club events.
  • Compare practices: Use VetCost to find practices with in-house echocardiography capability near you.

Last updated: March 2026. Sources: Veterinary Cardiovascular Society, VetCost practice data.